Copperopolis Food Pantry Receives Calaveras Community Foundation Grant

Recently the Copperopolis Food Pantry were the proud recipients of a grant from the Calaveras Community Foundation (CCF), a private foundation, which will enable them to enhance their food distribution to include meats and high protein items. Many locals supply the food pantry with eggs during ‘egg laying season’ but as the season comes to a close, the pantry will again begin purchasing eggs and other staples of a healthy diet for distribution. Though the grant is a one-time grant, the food pantry will submit a report at the end of the year to CCF outlining the expenditures and the impact and benefits the grant generated. They hope to apply again next year and receive another grant, but the focus right now is helping as many people as possible with what they are grateful to have received.

With economic times becoming more and more difficult, the Copperopolis Food Pantry is seeing a rise in people in need in the community. And, hand-in-hand with the rise of mouths to feed comes the need for more donations. “We have seniors, single moms, families with young children, people who have unexpectedly lost their jobs and need emergency help, and disabled people. It’s very common for an individual to get teary-eyed when they receive their food because times are so hard and they are grateful for help,” said Lorraine, coordinator and food pantry volunteer. One gentleman the Gazette spoke with, but wishes to remain anonymous, said that for years he had been an avid supporter of the food pantry, and now, due to the sudden loss of his job, he is now a recipient. He is thankful for every item he receives at distribution and thankful to those that made it possible.

As with most charities, the food pantry sees a drop in donations at the beginning of each year causing them a spring filled with jitters and nerves. The grant surpassed their dreams and allowed them to help so many more. “We are extremely grateful for the community support for the food pantry. We receive generous donations (from the community) through the Copperopolis Fire Protection District bi-annual fill-the-boot” yet even with that support, its never enough to get through an entire year.

This year the Copperopolis Food Pantry will be purchasing turkeys for their holiday distribution along with seasonal items so that recipients can create a holiday meal for their family and loved ones.

Community Thanksgiving food drives will be held at:

Saddle Creek, Copperopolis Branch Library (785-0920) and Micki & Larry’s Sports Pub (785-4646)

Continuing in the holiday spirit, Christmas food drives beginnings December 1, 2011 will be held at :

Umpqua Bank

Copper Library

Micki & Larry’s Sports Pub

Constant stocked needs for the pantry:

Tuna, peanut butter, cereal, oatmeal, spaghetti, pasta, tomato sauce, canned soup, canned fruit, holiday canned goods such as; cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie mix, cream of mushroom soup, green beans, dressing mix, etc.

The Copperopolis Community Food Pantry can now proudly claim:

“The Copperopolis Community Food Pantry is partially funded by a grant from the Calaveras Community Foundation.”

For more information regarding the food pantry, how you can help or receive help, please contact Church of the Ascension 785-0225.